According to KDHE, many cases have been reported by people who attended wrestling tournaments in Kansas. Other cases have associations to the University of Kansas or Kansas State University. Additionally, some of the cases include people who have traveled to other states that are also currently experiencing large mumps outbreaks.

Missouri and Oklahoma have both reported cases of the disease and more than 2,800 people have been diagnosed with mumps in Arkansas.

KDHE is encouraging Kansans to make sure that they are up to date on their immunizations. Anyone who thinks they have the mumps should isolate themselves. The symptoms include headache, fever, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, and the characteristic swollen salivary glands.

The mumps is a highly contagious disease that can be spread like a cold: sneezing, sharing utensils, and touching infected surfaces.

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is urging all Kansas to be aware and careful as there is a spreading number of cases of mumps in the state.

There have been 56 reported cases of mumps in Kansas spread over 12 counties, though none yet in Sedgwick.

Cases of mumps declined after the measles, mumps and rubella combined vaccine was in widespread use by the early '70s. The MMR vaccine is administered at about a year, and then a booster is given at age 4 or 5.